Summer Season — the Heat of Fire

Period

From around 6 May to 6 July

That’s a period of about 62 days

Summer corresponds to the Fire element and calls on the Heart. It is the season of peak heat and activity: the dietary goal is to cool the body and preserve its fluids (staying hydrated), without depleting Yang through excessively cold food.

Seasonal foods

• Cooling fruits and vegetables: watermelon, cucumber, tomato
• A light bitter flavour (endive, dandelion) that helps disperse heat
• Water-rich foods, served cool but rarely ice-cold

Recommended cooking methods

Short cooking times — steaming, or moderate amounts of raw vegetables for those who tolerate them well. Limit frequent grilling and very strong spices, which add extra heat to a season that already has plenty.

Seasonal herbal support

Cooling herbal teas (hibiscus, verbena), fresh mint leaves in water — simple and effective ways to get through the hottest days.

These are general principles of Chinese dietetics, to be adapted to your own individual constitution. A supplement or herb can interact with an ongoing treatment: always ask your doctor before starting any herbal remedy, particularly during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or if you are on long-term medication.